Goat Lake & Avion Ridge: 2 Days of Hiking in Waterton Park

It’s no secret that Waterton Lakes National Park offers some of the most scenic hiking in Alberta. While I’ve enjoyed a few visits, I hadn’t spent any time in Waterton’s backcountry. That’s why I planned the Goat Lake hike and tacked on Avion Ridge for a two-day backcountry trip. From what I can tell, this has to be some of the best hiking in Waterton. Keep reading to see what I mean.

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Last Updated: January 11, 2026

As I was nearing the end of my second day, I crossed paths with one hiker for little chat. “I really think the Goat Lake hike and Avion Ridge should be part of the Triple Crown,” she said. Waterton’s Triple Crown Challenge includes Crypt Lake, Carthew-Alderson, and Akimina Ridge. While I’ve only finished one out of three, maybe Goat Lake and Avion Ridge will soon make the cut for a quadruple crown? All I can say is: the Goat Lake hike is a worthwhile adventure, and one of the best hikes in Waterton Lakes National Park!

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About the Goat Lake Hike via Avion Ridge

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Location: Waterton Lakes National Park, Alberta
Distance: 26 km loop
Difficulty: Difficult
Elevation: 1,500 m elevation gain
Time: 10 hours / 2 days
Dog-friendly: Yes, but dogs must remain on a leash.
Features: If you appreciate spending time in the backcountry, you’ll enjoy visiting Goat Lake in Waterton. The campground is nestled in the mountains and you might even see mountain goats nearby. Continue to the Avion Ridge for mind-blowing views along some of the best hiking in Waterton.

Update: Backcountry reservations through Parks Canada Reservation System start on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 8am MT.

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Goat Lake & Avion Ridge Trail Map

Finding the Goat Lake Trailhead

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The trailhead for Goat Lake is located at Red Rock Canyon. After arriving in Waterton Lakes National Park, take the Red Rock Canyon Parkway until you reach the parking area. There’s an outhouse here as well. When you’re ready to go, cross the footbridge over the canyon to begin hiking along the Snowshoe Trail.

Read next: Red Rock Canyon in Waterton Lakes National Park

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Where To Stay in Waterton Lakes National Park

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I drove down to Waterton from Calgary after work and started the hike in the evening, which is doable if you’re short on time. That being said, staying overnight in Waterton Park gives you more flexibility for an earlier start or more time in the area. Townsite Campground is a budget-friendly option right in town, and there are also plenty of hotels and other accommodations nearby.

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Day 1 — Trailhead to Goat Lake Campground (7 KM)

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In late August, I called Parks Canada for a last minute reservation. That’s when I learned that Goat Lake Backcountry Campground had recently reopened. I booked my backcountry permit and drove 2.5 hours from Calgary on Friday afternoon. By the time I started hiking, it was around 6:30 and the sun would set at 8:30. So Bella the Berner and I hit the trail!

The Goat Lake hike begins at Red Rock Canyon. Cross the footbridge and hike along the fairly flat Snowshoe Trail for about 4.5 km until the “Goat Lake” sign. At this point, the trail starts gaining elevation for about 2.5 km until reaching the campground. The hike from the trailhead to the campground is about 7 km and gains over 500 metres elevation. This section takes most people between 2.5 to 3 hours. The doggo and I arrived by 8:30pm. I quickly set up the tent before the remaining daylight disappeared. After we ate supper, it was time to settle in for the night. Tomorrow would be a much longer (and more challenging) hiking day.

Read next: Bear’s Hump Trail in Waterton Lakes National Park

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Goat Lake Campground — Waterton Backcountry Camping

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Goat Lake Backcountry Campground and the trails closed after the Kenow Wildfire in 2017. The trails reopened in 2020, and the backcountry campground reopened in August 2021. I think I was among the first to experience this new and improved Waterton backcountry camping. If you enjoy camping off the beaten path, I’d highly recommend this place.

There are only four tent pads available at Goat Lake Campground. You can’t book individual sites, and a backcountry permit is required to stay overnight. You’ll find food storage lockers, an outhouse, and a communal space for meals. I wonder if Parks Canada will eventually add some picnic tables? There are no fire pits (no fires allowed).

I gotta say: I never thought I’d be excited about an outhouse, but Goat Lake’s is the nicest I’ve seen in the backcountry. I got curious about the design, so I reached out to a friend who works in sanitation technology. The rounded belt inside the toilet directs urine into one container, and the poo moves on the pedal-operated conveyor belt to another container. This ultimately means less odour in the outhouse (no ammonia) with very few flies. Separating the waste can also help speed up decomposition. How cool is that?

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Day 2 — Goat Lake to Avion Ridge and Return to Trailhead (19 KM)

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After a chilly night at Goat Lake, we ate breakfast and packed up our gear. Well, I packed while Bella enjoyed the morning sun. And I was grateful for the late morning at the campground because we saw three mountain goats above the lake. It was a special sighting while eating oatmeal. If you’re planning to hike Avion Ridge, I’d suggest one night at Goat Lake. Some hikers do it all in a day, but it will likely take 8 to 10 hours to complete (depending on pace). For most, it’ll be more enjoyable over two days.

After leaving the campground, we followed the creek upstream to connect with the trail. There’s no signage until you reach the ridge saddle, with Newman Peak to the right and Avion Ridge to the left. Hiking poles were useful here. I kept going toward Avion Ridge and the entire ridgewalk is around 5.7 km. Then you’ll begin the 3-km descent toward Snowshoe Campground where you could also stay the night (if you want to explore more!). I continued along Snowshoe Trail for 8.5 km until reaching my car at Red Rock Canyon. After all that hiking, Bella slept like a baby in the backseat. All in all, the 19-km stretch from Goat Lake took us about 7 hours.

Read more: Crypt Lake Hike in Waterton Lakes National Park

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Goat Lake & Avion Ridge Packing List

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Here’s what I brought along on the Goat Lake hike:

Camping Gear

Hiking Gear for Dogs

• Food & water bowls
• Leash
• Harness
• Smell-proof bag

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Know Before You Go — Goat Lake & Avion Ridge

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Backcountry Reservations: Booking Goat Lake was very easy and completely last minute. Call the Waterton Visitor Centre to book at 1-403-859-5133. I arrived after hours so they left my permit at the gate. You must make a reservation.

Bikes: Bikes are not permitted on Avion Ridge or the trail to Goat Lake. However, several people ride along the Snowshoe Trail to reduce their time. For day trips, riding into the Goat Lake turnoff and then hiking up would work well.

Dogs: Hiking with dogs is allowed in Waterton. However, canine companions must remain on a leash. Remember to pack out any dog poo and leave no trace. Worried about the smell? I use this Ruffwear Pack Out Bag.

Bear Country: Waterton is bear country. Be sure to bring bear spray, keep it accessible (I wear mine on my pack chest strap), and know how to use it. Regardless of whether you’re in a group or hiking solo (like me), make lots of noise by talking or singing. Bringing an animal deterrent airhorn isn’t a bad idea either. At the campsite, put all animal attractants (food, scented products, etc.) in the food storage locker.

Navigation: The trail is relatively well-maintained, but there are a few sections without much signage. I’d recommend bringing the Waterton Lakes Gem Trek Map.

Water: There is no water source once you’re on the ridge. Bring at least two litres with you, like in a water reservoir.

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Have you visited Waterton Lakes National Park? How about hiking up to Goat Lake and Avion Ridge? Let me know in the comments below.

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